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Recommended Strut Replacement Tools?

432 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  thinshavings, 
erikhendershot
5
I purchased a extremely clean '00 Tundra SR5 a few months ago with 102,000 miles and the upper and lower ball joints, as well as the suspension, is due for a replacement. I already purchased a full Bilstein 4600 set of front struts and rear shocks and am currently looking for advice on a spring compressor to use. The cheapy kits seem to not hold up and bend under use for full size truck springs (or so I have heard). I have looked at the Eastwood kits, but wasn't sure if they would hold up either. Any advice? Picture for attention:
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310z
2
Nice truck!
Yes with a weak set of spring compressors the job is scary. So the second time I removed the springs on my second gen Tundra I purchased a beefier set (see photo) I can not find any part number. I thought I purchased this at Summit but I can not find it on their web page. You may also want to look at purchasing a preloaded strut package. This will make the job easier and you get new springs as well.

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erikhendershot
Yeah I was looking on firstgentundra and they offered OME struts that could be preassembled, but for the price I could buy the tools and use them again (I also have an 04 Sequoia). I figured that the stock spring shouldn't be to bad with only 100k on them, right? Or am I way off base?
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310z
I choose to purchase the tools also and do the work. However, finding the right spring compressor for a specific vehicle can be and issue and as far as I know getting the spring compressor fit/work is a trial and error method. The length, diameter and claw shape can get in the way but I managed to make both tools I have work. I would think the springs would be fine.
Your avatar reminds me of a Honda 305 Scrambler that a friend of mine restored.
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erikhendershot
You're close on the bike. It's a 73 CL350. I got it as a complete basket case about 10-12 years ago. I ride it pretty regularly to save on gas and other than a few minor issues with a bad coil, it has been very reliable. Just finished rebuilding the starter last week as a winter project (I've been kick-starting for the past 6 years) and will be reinstalling this weekend.
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erikhendershot said:
I purchased a extremely clean '00 Tundra SR5 a few months ago with 102,000 miles and the upper and lower ball joints, as well as the suspension, is due for a replacement. I already purchased a full Bilstein 4600 set of front struts and rear shocks and am currently looking for advice on a spring compressor to use. The cheapy kits seem to not hold up and bend under use for full size truck springs (or so I have heard). I have looked at the Eastwood kits, but wasn't sure if they would hold up either. Any advice? Picture for attention:
Click to expand...
Sweet rig and 4WD to boot!
When I did the front coil over shocks on my '04 DC I borrowed a spring compressor from Oriley's Auto parts, you just leave them a deposit when you pick up the tool and they refund the deposit when you return it. It worked great no problems.
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